Laritza Garcia is mad about metal. And it shows in her colorful contemporary jewelry.
The artist: Originally from the border area of Reynosa, Mexico and McAllen, TX, Garcia earned a BFA from Texas State University (TSU) in 2008. She is also a graduate of East Carolina University, where she received her MFA degree in 2012.
In addition to being a studio jeweler, Garcia has taught at workshops and lectures across the country and teaches in the School of Art and Design at TSU.
The company: Laritza Garcia Jewelry is based in Austin. The artist has an at-home studio space.
The art & materials: Earrings, bracelets, brooches, and necklaces that are hand cut and fabricated from base metals and feature vivid powder coated surfaces.
Her most recent collection is inspired by a Frida Kahlo quote: “Pinto flores, asi no mueren (I paint flowers so they will not die.)
What’s popular: Botanical earrings ($90 to $250).
Other favorites: Scrawl necklace ($70 to $120).
Awards: Many, including:
- Recognized in national and international exhibitions, including American Craft and Joya Barcelona, an event featuring artistic jewelry and designer objects in Spain.
- A presenter at the Yuma (AZ) Art Symposium, a series of demonstrations, lectures and slide presentations given by both internationally recognized and emerging artists.
- Work in the permanent collections of the Mint Museum (NC), Arkansas Art Center, and Racine Art Museum (WI).
Honors: Many including:
- On the jury panel for Voltage: The Power of Contemporary Jewelry, an exhibition in Metalsmith magazine for Society of North American Goldsmiths.
- Work featured in publications, including: American Craft and 500 Necklaces: Contemporary Interpretation of Timeless Form.What’s new: Botanical hoop earrings and pendants with iridescent surfaces.
What’s next:
- “Craft in the Laboratory: The Science of Making Things,” Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte, ongoing.
- “RAM Showcase: Abstraction,” Racine Art Museum, now through June 11.
Where to buy: laritzagarciajewelry.com
Get social at: Instagram: @laritzagarciajewelry
